Population Ecology Vocabulary

A factor that affects population size regardless of density.

• Limiting Factor

• Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

• Density-Independent Limiting Factor

• Abiotic Limiting Factor

• Biotic Limiting Factor

Limiting factor that involves one LIVING thing impacting another.

• Limiting Factor

• Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

• Density-Independent Limiting Factor

• Abiotic Limiting Factor

• Biotic Limiting Factor

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A factor that affects population size depending on how crowded the population is.

• Limiting Factor

• Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

• Density-Independent Limiting Factor

• Abiotic Limiting Factor

• Biotic Limiting Factor

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Any factor that restricts size of a population, such as food, water, shelter, or predation.

• Limiting Factor

• Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

• Density-Independent Limiting Factor

• Abiotic Limiting Factor

• Biotic Limiting Factor

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Environmental factors that are NON-LIVING but crucial for life.

• Limiting Factor

• Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

• Density-Independent Limiting Factor

• Abiotic Limiting Factor

• Biotic Limiting Factor

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Individuals are evenly spaced, often due to territorial behavior.

• Population Density

• Random Distribution

• Clumped Distribution

• Uniform Distribution

The number of individuals within a specific area.

• Population Density

• Random Distribution

• Clumped Distribution

• Uniform Distribution

Individuals spread out within an area without a set pattern.

• Population Density

• Random Distribution

• Clumped Distribution

• Uniform Distribution

Individuals group in patches, often around resources or social groups.

• Population Density

• Random Distribution

• Clumped Distribution

• Uniform Distribution

The seasonal movement of individuals in and out of a population, often for breeding or climate reasons.

• Immigration

• Emigration

• Migration